James “Jim” Edward Koch, 84, of Dawson, Nebraska was born on November 2, 1941, in Kelly, Kansas to Alfred and Loretta (Hermesch) Koch. Jim attended Catholic school in Dawson and graduated from Dawson High School with the class of 1960. During his high school years, Jim worked part-time at Barker Automotive in Falls City, Nebraska and after graduating high school became full-time. On November 10, 1962, Jim was united in marriage to Sharon Hogue at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson. To this union four children, Stephanie, Stacey, William “Bill” and Kevin were born. The couple began their marriage living in Falls City before moving to Dawson where they owned and operated the Dawson Café. In 1972, Jim opened and operated Koch’s Auto Service until 1993 when his son Bill took over the business. Jim always had a love for mechanics; from working in his shop, to racing cars and tractor pulling. He assisted many with building and maintaining their tractors.
Jim passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of eighty-four years, eleven months and nineteen days. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Sharon Kay (Hogue), brother Robert “Bob” Koch, sister Annette Bausch, sisters-in-law Carol Koch and Judy Koch, and brothers-in-law: Dennis Hogue, Joe Heim, and Joe Brightup.
Jim is survived by his children: Stephanie Ingraham of Dawson, Stacey Patel of Dawson, William “Bill” Koch and wife Jamie of Dawson, Kevin Koch and wife Cora of Tecumseh, KS; grandchildren: Jacob Ingraham of Creston, IA; Alex Ingraham and wife Cierra of Chuluota, FL; Chloe Patel of Sioux City, IA; Ethan and Daniel Koch of Tecumseh, KS; Levi and Jonathan Koch of Dawson, NE; great-granddaughter Sophie Ingraham of Creston, IA; brothers: Larry Koch of Dawson, NE; Richard “Rick” Koch and wife Kathie of Nebraska City, NE; sisters: Mae Jean Brightup of Topeka, KS; Michelle Heim of Dawson, NE; brother-in-law Larry Bausch of Beemer, NE; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson, Nebraska with Father Leo Seiker officiating. Inurnment will immediately follow mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Dawson.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 Nemaha Street, in Humboldt, Nebraska. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson by Father Leo Seiker.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com
